Patan Jain Dhatu Pratima Lekh Sangraha

"Patan Jain Dhatu Pratima Lekh Sangraha" (Collection of Jain Metal Icon Inscriptions from Patan) is a significant compilation by Pt. Laxmanbhai H. Bhojak, published by Motilal Banarsidass Publishers in collaboration with the Bhogilal Leherchand Institute of Indology. This book, part of the BLII Series (No. 14), presents a comprehensive catalogue of inscriptions found on Jain metal idols preserved in Patan, a historically important city in Gujarat.

The compilation contains approximately 1750 entries, covering a vast period of over nine centuries, from Vikram Samvat 1110 to 2036 (1053 to 1979 AD). The primary focus of the book is on these inscriptions, which are arranged chronologically in the main body of the catalogue, with some supplementary entries arranged differently for specific reasons explained by the editor.

Key aspects and contributions of the book:

• Historical and Sociological Value: The inscriptions offer invaluable insights into the social, religious, political, economic, and industrial aspects of medieval Gujarat. They are considered authentic evidence for understanding the customs, traditions, and historical developments of the time.
• Linguistic Significance: The book is crucial for linguistic studies, shedding light on the evolution and adaptation of languages, particularly Sanskrit, in practical life. It showcases the nuances of linguistic changes through different epochs, with particular reference to personal names and the use of Sanskrit in vernacular contexts. The foreword by Prof. V. Venkatachalam highlights the detailed analysis of these inscriptions for understanding linguistic evolution, including the emergence of hybrid Sanskrit and the incursions of regional languages like Gujarati.
• Comprehensive Nature: The catalogue includes inscriptions on pedestal inscriptions of Jain idols, covering a wide range of information such as the names of donors, their families, spiritual preceptors, the dates of installation, and the religious motivations behind these acts.
• Editor's Contribution: Pt. Laxmanbhai H. Bhojak's meticulous and dedicated work over many years has resulted in this valuable publication, described as a "labour of love."
• Structure and Indices: The book is well-structured with a foreword, editorial notes, introductory preface, the main body of inscriptions, and several appendices (Parishisht). These appendices are crucial for research, providing lists of:
  • Locations of the inscribed idols.
  • Names of Gacchas (Jain sects/lineages) mentioned.
  • Names of Acharyas and monks.
  • Names of villages (Gramanukramanika).
  • Names of castes (Jatis).
  • Lists of Gotras.
  • Tables of names of Shravakas (lay followers) and Shravikas (lay female followers).
  • A subject index (Vishayanukramanika).
• Preservation of Information: The book serves as a vital repository of historical and linguistic data that might otherwise be lost due to the deterioration of ancient metal idols and their inscriptions.

In essence, "Patan Jain Dhatu Pratima Lekh Sangraha" is an indispensable resource for historians, linguists, archaeologists, and anyone interested in the Jain tradition and the socio-cultural history of medieval India, particularly Gujarat. It provides a detailed and organized dataset of inscriptions that are fundamental for academic research in these fields.